"Relatively Speaking" - Karen's E-Zine

Remember Peter Falk? He's an actor best known for h i s role as Lieutenant Columbo in the TV series Columbo. As the s tar of that 1970 's show, he was "everyone's favorite rumpled television detective", writes historian David Fantle. The beauty of Columbo was watching how he unraveled the mysteries and crimes.

His method - asking insightful questions in a humble manner.

Yesterday I had lunch with a very successful client. He said, "Karen, I use the Columbo Method to negotiate, sell, and diffuse any situation." I commented , "I've watched Peter Fal k wearing his wrinkled raincoat in Columbo and always liked him." He said, "Exactly! He solved the crime, and got people to tell him everything. Even the bad guys trusted him... until they lost the game."

My client explained, "Columbo got the job done by asking these three questions. And I use those same questions to diffuse anger, get agreement, get the sale, talk to my teenage daughter ...whatever."

Here are my client's Columbo Method Three Questions:

1. What did you mean by that? (Allows the other person to further explain the situation)
2. How did you come to that conclusion? Or - What makes you think that way? (This allows you to really get inside the other person's head)
3. Have you ever considered __________ Or - Another way to look at this is ___________ and you fill in this blank with your alternative solution.

Good luck in solving your next crime or negotiating your next deal!

Your Relatively Speaking Challenge:

Ask Columbo-type questions.

Einstein Corner

In a letter Einstein wrote to my grandmother, he said, "I have also retained some humor but not as much you, and not paired with your inimitable grace."

Clearly Einstein noted my grandmother's great sense of humor. It's a reminder for all of us to laugh. In order to communicate, sell, and thrive you have to find and share the humor.

Warm spring greetings to you and yours,

Karen Cortell Reisman

For more info about products and services, call toll free at (866) 535-2267 or send Karen an email. Karen Cortell Reisman speaks nationally to corporations and associations about communication, sales, and her famous cousin, Albert Einstein. Karen also works 1:1 with professionals who want to speak with power.

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